Army to be deployed as ‘striking force’ during election period: Quader

Secretary General of Awami League and Roads, Transports and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that the army would be deployed as a striking force in the next election like BNP’s time. He said this in response to the questions of reporters at Secretariat on Sunday in a discussion meeting on activities taken and implemented in Eid-ul-Fitr and the action plan of Eid-ul-Azha.

Online Desk

In response to a question of the reporters about BNP chairperson’s demand of deploying the army in the next polls, Obaidul Quader said, “When election was held at BNP’s regime, General Ziaur Rahman and Begum Zia deployed the army as striking force. The army will be deployed in the next election in the same way.”

He said, “The army will be deployed as striking force where the Election Commission (EC) will think necessary. It is also in our constitution. Begum Zia did nothing outside this. We also do not have that chance.”

Obaidul Quader said, “She (Khaleda Zia) did not deploy the army 7 days before, not even one day before. Many elections were held at her regime. Why is she advising someone else to do anything that she herself did not practice?”

He said, “Striking force will be deployed during election. At that time, the army will be ready to operate any sort of operation. If there occurs any law and order obstructing incident, the army will go there.”